Deadspin: Oregon QB Dante Moore concussion makes him expected to miss rest of season

Moore’s return ruled unlikely

Moore suffered the concussion in the second quarter against USC after a late hit from linebacker Desman Stephens II. He was taken by ambulance to Los Angeles General Medical Center; Oregon reported that scans showed no abnormalities, though he had a concussion.

He has thrown during practice in recent weeks, but the team chose against bringing him back before he was cleared. Lanning said Moore wanted to play, describing the decision as one that was not driven by the quarterback’s wishes.

Oregon struggles without its starter

The Ducks have lost two of three games without Moore and have scored under 20 points each time. Raiola and third-string quarterback Brock Thomas have alternated as starters, without matching Moore’s earlier production.

Mehringer was fired as offensive coordinator Sunday, following Oregon’s 21-10 defeat to Illinois. Lanning said the next evening that Jay Johnson, an offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach, would handle playcalling.

Johnson takes on playcalling

Johnson is in his first season with Oregon and has coached at the college level since 1994. His previous jobs included offensive coordinator at Wyoming and Michigan State.

Before his injury, Moore had thrown for 926 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception, completing 69.7% of his passes. He began college at UCLA in 2023, transferred to Oregon, then backed up Dillon Gabriel throughout the 2024 season.

Moore’s previous Oregon season

In 2025, Moore recorded 3,565 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, completing 71% of his attempts. Oregon ended that season with a 13-2 record.